Superwomen doing it for themselves
By admin
A group of mums and toddlers at a South Wales community centre got a visit from Superwoman this month but there wasn’t a cape or mask in sight.
Superwoman – the charity networking group for businesswomen – has been raising funds for good causes since it was set up in 2005 and the founder, Bethan Darwin of Darwin Gray Solicitors, got the chance to catch up with some of the beneficiaries at the mother and toddlers group held at Soar Centre in Penygraig, run by the Valleys Kids charity.
The annual all-female event started as a seminar with “superwomen” – achievers from all walks of life – as guest speakers. The food, drink and meeting place for the evening were all given free by sponsors so all the money raised in ticket sales went to the chosen charities.
The event has since grown with demand for tickets far outstripping availability. And this year a Superwoman lunch in April was added to the agenda, which again sold out.
Altogether, around £8,000 has been raised for a range of charities – more than £4,200 going to Valleys Kids itself – but the value of women networking has also paid dividends too.
Stephanie Kean, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Serious Food Company based in Llantrisant, was one of the Superwomen roped in by Bethan to speak at Superwoman 2 in 2006. During the drinks reception after the seminar, Bethan introduced Stephanie to Denise Lord, development co-ordinator of Valleys Kids and as a result Valleys Kids and the Serious Food Company have since worked together on a calendar project for Valleys Kids featuring a child’s drawing on each page and on the reverse a healthy recipe from Serious Food.
The Serious Food Company which won Rhondda Cynon Taf’s business of the year award in 2007 was delighted to be able to help Valleys Kids.
“As we are based in Rhondda Cynon Taf many of our employees are drawn from the Valleys. It’s great to be able to give something back to the community which plays such a big part in the success of our business.”
Denise Lord, development co-ordinator of Valleys Kids, said: “Valleys Kids is doubly blessed. First we have a relationship with Bethan who, as a true Valleys’ girl, is an impressive ambassador for us, and then, as one of the beneficiaries of Superwoman. Superwoman provides huge opportunity to raise awareness of our work among influential women in business, such as Stephanie Kean at The Serious Food Company, whilst giving a substantial boost to our fundraising efforts.
“Juggling the work-life balance is arguably a greater challenge for women. To have an opportunity to get together in an all female environment to share with, learn from and be inspired by the successes of superwomen is an enjoyable and valuable experience.
“All that, and raising money for a good cause – you don’t get that on the golf course!”
Bethan Darwin added: “Superwoman offers a chance to learn top business tips from inspirational and witty speakers, do some networking and catch up with friends and contacts over a glass of wine”
“While there are several women’s networking groups in South Wales now, Superwoman is different because it is a charity network, offering the chance for powerful women to help those less powerful whilst at the same time promoting their own businesses. And thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Superwoman goody bag and raffle have now become legendary.”
The fourth Superwoman seminar will be held on October 16th at the Copthorne Hotel in Cardiff. Tickets are priced at £35 payable directly to the chosen charities. If you would like to reserve a place or are interested in being one of the sponsors please contact Caroline Hazell via email or call (029) 2082 9127.
